Diane’s Country Music Newsletter — 22 January 2025

BOOK REVIEW – IN-LAW COUNTRY

Geoffrey Himes looked back at the history of modern country music to define a movement that took place between 1968 and 1985, beginning in Los Angeles and moving to Nashville. Its musicians wanted to change and update traditional country music through songwriting and performances that resonated with young baby boomers. Himes describes this period and its history in his book In-Law Country.

I find the title misleading, as if the focus is on family relationships rather than music. Inlaw Country would be a more accurate term. The participants are not in-laws, although several are spouses. As the author points out, “The name is an obvious play on the Outlaw Country movement.”

The In-Law Country movement began in 1968 with Gram Parsons, who’d moved from Florida to Los Angeles and wanted to add the exciting sounds of rock music to the country and gospel genres he’d been raised on. His protégé, Emmylou Harris, became the first star of the movement. Her producer/husband, Brian Ahern, set the standard for record production. “Brian Ahern invented the sound of In-Law Country,” writes Himes. “Each element in a song had its own distinct personality that could easily be heard apart from everything else. . .. This was a studio-specific sound that Ahern perfected and that country audiences embraced.”

Harris learned from Parsons to work with high-priced musicians on the road and then record with them in the studio, in contrast to the Nashville model that hired the same A-team studio musicians for everyone’s recordings. Members of her Hot Band–Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs–followed her lead to become singing stars and Ahern’s lead to become producers. The entire group, which had migrated mostly from Nashville to Los Angeles in the 1970s, returned by 1985. Their goal was to be accepted into mainstream country music.

“Though it has never been properly defined and acknowledged in country music histories,” Hines writes, In-Law Country “is arguably the genre’s most crucial development over the final quarter of the twentieth century. It had an enormous commercial impact in the 1980s and a powerful artistic impact in the 1990s. . . . it remains the only viable response to the changes in country music’s core subject matter–marriage, faith, death, work, and home.”

The movement can be defined by two commitments: reaching the mainstream country audience and maintaining a high standard of songwriting craft. The basic songwriting style was defined by two Texans, Townes Van Zandt (“Pancho and Lefty”) and Guy Clark (“Desperados Waiting for a Train”), and expanded by a third, Rodney Crowell, who initially wrote for their approval. They composed story songs in the tradition of the Old West, with complex chords and lyrics that met meticulous standards of word choice and message.

This was baby boomer music about equality in marriage, Hines explains: “where the woman was not a subservient sidekick but an equal partner, someone with her own ambitions, her own ideas, her own needs. These weren’t songs about leaving marriages behind but about changing them so they worked for both parties.” Harris and Ahern, Rodney Crowell and Rosanne Cash, Janice and Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White, and Susanna and Guy Clark lived out these new two-career marriages in public and created songs alongside their spouses and friends in similar marriages.

Hines personifies the lyrics and music with his poetic descriptions, such as this one for Rosanne Cash’s “Seven Year Ache”: “The chord changes, with their weave of majors and minors, have a moody quality that implies the narrator’s alternating attempts to be furious and reasonable. Cash’s seemingly reluctant vocal holds back against the crisp push of the rhythm section.” And, “There’s a dreamy, cushiony quality to the verse vocals, which slip in and out of tempo, as if she has left logic and rationality behind, as if mere desire can overcome the miles.”

In-Law Country is a wealth of research and information, told in an engaging style. I enjoyed learning new details and hearing the stories of familiar and not-so-familiar people. I liked the chapter organization, which focused on one person while bringing in numerous other characters. For example, I immediately knew Chapter 14, “Don’t Get Above Your Raising, 1980,” was about Ricky Skaggs and Chapter 16, “Seven Year Ache, 1981,” would feature Rosanne Cash. However, this resulted in detail repeated throughout the book, as if the reader hadn’t read it before.

This 360-page book could have been shortened considerably by cutting the repetition of the characters’ stories and trusting the reader to understand the meaning of In-Law Country without constantly pointing it out. Also, rather than the standard use of endnotes, Hines lists in the text the date and source of every interview: “‘I was twelve when my parents broke up in 1967,’ Cash said in 2002.” That statement was a fact no matter when she said it. These distractions appear on most pages: “told the New York Daily News in 1977,” “told Rolling Stone in 1989, “told Stereo Review in 1985.”

In-Law Country is a great book that could have been even better. It should be on the bookshelf of everyone interested in this period of country music history. I learned so much about the music I’ve loved my entire life, following the threads of the various lives and hit records as the author ties them all together.

NEWS

Melba Montgomery (1938–2025)

Melba Montgomery Solomon died January 15 at age 86, reports MusicRow. She was a recording artist and a songwriter who had over 100 songs recorded by more than 50 artists. Her biggest solo hit came in 1973, with a number one on Harlan Howard’s “No Charge.” Melba Joyce Montgomery was born in Tennessee in 1938 and raised in Alabama in a musical farm family. She and her six siblings worked in the fields during the week and performed with their father in the local Methodist Church on Sundays. Brothers Carl and Earl “Peanut” Montgomery also became songwriters. Melba won a talent contest in Nashville in 1958, at age 19, and Roy Acuff hired her to be his “girl singer.” In 1962, Melba teamed with George Jones, with their biggest hit being “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds,” written by Melba. She recorded with pop star Gene Pitney, followed by her duet with Charlie Louvin on the Bobby Braddock song, “Something to Brag About” in 1971. As a studio singer, she contributed harmony background vocals to recordings by numerous stars. She continued her songwriting well into the 1990s, with songs recorded by Patty Loveless & Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Ricochet, Sara Evans, Emmylou Harris & Carl Jackson, John Prine, David Ball, Terri Clark, Randy Travis, The Derailers, Reba McEntire, and Vern Gosdin, as well as bluegrass acts such as The Lonesome River Band and Rhonda Vincent. George Strait went to number one with “What Do You Say to That,” co-written by Jim Lauderdale and Melba. Following the death of her husband, guitarist/songwriter Jack Solomon, Melba retired in 2015.

Buck White (1930-2025)

The oldest living Grand Ole Opry member, Buck White of The Whites, died January 13. Born in 1930 and raised in Texas, Buck played mandolin and piano in dance halls and on radio shows until the 1960s, when he moved his family to Arkansas. Daughters Sharon and Cheryl joined the group Buck White & the Down Home Folks. Buck, Sharon, and Cheryl formed the singing group The Whites after moving to Nashville in 1972. Their hit songs include “Hangin’ Around,” “Give Me Back That Old Familiar Feeling,” “Pins and Needles,” and “Hometown Gossip.” They recorded “Keep on the Sunny Side” for the O Brother, Where Art Thou? movie soundtrack. The Whites became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 1984 and were inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008. Most of their records were produced by Buck’s son-in-law, Ricky Skaggs, husband of Sharon White. Buck celebrated his 94th birthday on December 13. The oldest Opry member is now Stu Phillips, who turned 92 on January 19.

The owner of Fitts Piano Service in Nashville, William Ronald “Ronnie” Fitts, 86, died January 8. Born in 1938, he was a self-taught musician, playing the autoharp, keyboard, harmonica, guitar, and piano, despite being totally blind. A highly respected piano tuner and technician for over 50 years, he tuned pianos for Metro Nashville Public Schools, Tennessee School for the Blind, Cinderella Studios, and American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). He worked on Printers Alley and Music Row and with Minnie Pearl, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Barbara Mandrell, Waylon Jennings, and Charley Pride. “He worked on equipment in countless studios, homes, and churches throughout Nashville and surrounding areas,” his obituary states. He served as President of the Nashville Chapter of the Blind for many years.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has opened its newest exhibit, Rosanne Cash: Time Is a Mirror, reports WPLN News. Rosanne Cash is the eldest daughter of Johnny Cash, and the exhibit depicts the songs, letters and tokens she and her dad exchanged over the years. It also shows how she forged her own path and continues to expand her world through her songwriting, short stories, and memoirs. The display text states, “When Rosanne Cash moved from Los Angeles to Nashville in 1981, she had purple hair.” She joked in her speech at the exhibit’s opening reception in December, “I thought everyone in Nashville considered me irredeemable, a prodigal.” She described how sifting through her mementos gave her new perspective on her lifelong restlessness: “So many of those attempts to break the binds, successful or not, are behind glass now, and in the vaults here.” The exhibit will remain open until March 2026.

On January 20, after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Carrie Underwood stood waiting for her backing music to start. When it didn’t, after a moment of silence in the crowded room, she said, “If you know the words, help me out here” and then sang the first verse of “America the Beautiful” a cappella. The room erupted into applause as she shook hands with the incoming and outgoing Presidents and was escorted from the room. Carrie had earlier issued a statement about her presence at the event: “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.” Opera tenor Christopher Macchio sang the national anthem. NPR reports other entertainers at various inaugural events included Lee Greenwood, Kid Rock, Village People, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Parker McCollum.

Silverbelly Whiskey, launched by Alan Jackson in 2022, has a new master blender. Country Now reports that Alan’s eldest daughter, Mattie Jackson, has taken on that role. “Silverbelly Whiskey is pleased to announce the addition of a key team member as the company grows into 2025, adding Alan’s daughter Mattie Jackson as Master Blender,” a company statement said. “Mattie brings years of wine & spirits industry expertise to Silverbelly as both a Certified Bourbon Professional and Certified Sommelier.” Silverbelly Whiskey is named for the color of Alan’s signature cowboy hat–often thought to be white but actually a shade called Silverbelly.

Daryl Schiff, 86, father of Martina McBride, died January 14 in Sharon, Kansas, where he had lived his entire life, reports Taste of Country. He was a third-generation family farmer and the leader of their family band. He and his wife, Verla Jean, were married for nearly 55 years before her death in 2020. They and their four children, in a band called the Schiffters, were a popular attraction in Kansas.

Tim McGraw will headline the first-ever, all-day concert event at the Field of Dreams field in Dyersville, Iowa, on August 30. Located on a picturesque 193-acre farm, the field draws visitors from around the world to relive the magic of the 1989 movie Field of Dreams. According to MusicRow, the concert will take place on the field made famous by the movie and will pay tribute to Tim’s father, Tug McGraw, on what would have been his 81st birthday. Tug played for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.

LETTERS

Jackie Allen Thomas writes from Arizona, “Loved the article and pictures about Ronnie McDowell. Wow, he is surely a great artist, loved the paintings. Fun to find out things I didn’t know.”   

Eric Calhoun in Los Angeles says, “Not too much to say on this round. But great story on Ronnie McDowell. The 78s are all gone now. Replaced by compact discs and other novelties. Elvis’s ‘Hound Dog’ remains a favorite of mine, it’s a way of getting people who think they are friends, out of my life! But I digress. Hope all are doing well.”

Dominique ‘Imperial’ Anglares writes from France, “Thanks for that newsletter, a cool way to start that year. I am glad to know the book cover has been approved. Makes me eager to read the new book and to learn more about Randy Travis’ musical journey. Keep the good work going on.”

Philip Wyn Davies says, “Excellent newsletter as ever. Saw Ronnie McDowell couple of times in Memphis, always topdrawer performance. Been a fan since he did the soundtrack to Kurt Russel’s Elvis biopic late ‘70s, had a cinema release in UK. His military history was fascinating.”

James Akenson writes from Tennessee, “I always enjoy your newsletter. It’s flurries and 26F here in Cookeville.”

Priscilla McPheeters in Lawrence, Kansas, says, “Great newsletter. Best yet!”

Martha Moore of so much MOORE media writes, “Hope you have room for our pic. Stone Country Records artist Easton Corbin and LuckySky Music artist Tori Martin performed over the weekend at Pat Green’s popular Houston venue, The Rustic. Tori received standing ovations for her recent #1 Texas Chart hit, ‘Lost In The Country,’ and her soon to be released follow-up single, Abilene.’” 

Tori Martin and Easton Corbin

Ken Johson writes, “Sam Moore did have a country music connection. The obit overlooked his 1993 duet with Conway Twitty on Twitty’s final studio recording.” 

Diane: Thanks for sending the obituary of Sam Moore, half of the soul duo Sam and Dave in the 1960s, who died January 10 in Coral Gables, Florida, due to post-surgery complications. He was 89. That’s an interesting story about recording the Rhythm County and Blues album.

Donald Ewert says, “Condolences to the family of Melba Montgomery. I have a 1965 Starday LP, Country Queens. One side Melba Montgomery, the other side Dottie West.”

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